Childbirth Classes

Last night Collin and I began our childbirth classes. After some research, we decided to take an 11 week course that teaches the Bradley Method of birthing. The classes are small (only 3 couples total) which allows for a lot of one on one coaching and care. Our instructor seems great and the couples we met are really sweet. One couple is due on the exact same day as us and is also having a girl. The other couple is due 12 days earlier and is having a boy.

Our first class was mostly introductory stuff but we learned a lot about what the Bradley Method is all about and I am very intrigued by it. It basically teaches you correct nutrition and exercise habits so that by the time labor comes around, your body is prepared for the "athletic event" of childbirth and your mind is prepared to handle the pain so that you can give birth naturally. It's all about "trusting in the process".

The one thing I like the most about the method is that it is also known as "husband coached childbirth". Bradley advocates that Collin "is my epidural" and he has a huge role in helping me prepare for childbirth as well as being my main source of support during the labor and child birthing processes. These classes will be really beneficial for him as well to learn how to best help me through the next few months and to understand (as best he can!) what I am and will be going through.

While we have not completely made up our minds about how we want our birth to go, we feel it is in our best interest to be as educated as possible. We want to know what is best for Laila and for me, and want to know all the right questions to ask when it comes time to make our decisions.

So, that all said, I really enjoyed our first class and look forward to learning more each week. In the meantime, I will be focusing on good nutritional habits so Laila can continue growing healthy and strong, and trying to stick to my daily exercises to strengthen and prepare my body for what is about to come :)